These submarines are in addition to half a dozen Scorpene submarines currently under construction at Mumbai’s Mazgaon dock by the French manufacturer Armaris.

The Rs 15,000-crore deal was sealed between India and France in 2005.

Though all French submarines are expected to be delivered by 2017, the navy has realised the need for having an  extended under water weapon platform owing to the Indian Ocean’s growing strategic importance. At the conclusion of the navy’s two-day commanders’ conference in Mumbai on Friday, Admiral Mehta said, “in accordance with the plan to keep a certain number of submarines in the force, we will be acquiring six of one type (Scorpene) and six of another type.”